If any Mediaite commenters have strayed over to the other websites on the Abrams Media network (like Geekosystem, Styleite, or Mogulite), you may have noticed that they have a slightly different commenting system. You also may have noticed that it’s pretty darn cool.
We agree with you and starting on Friday at midnight, we at Mediaite are going to be adopting the same system. It’s called Disqus (like “discuss”, get it?) and it rocks. The new system may be a little confusing at first, but this post will have all the instructions to get your new account set up.
You can also email comments@mediaite.com if you have any problems setting up your account after looking over this post and trying out the new system yourself. We will get back to you personally and answer all of your questions as quickly as we can.
So, now we begin. If you already have a Disqus account or visit websites that use Disqus, that’s great! You’re probably familiar with the system and are already prepared for posting. If you don’t, you can follow these preliminary steps:
1. Read your Mediaite article.
2. Scroll down. You’ll see the option to add a new comment.
3. Now, things get a little crazy. You can log in using any one of the following: Disqus, Facebook, Twitter, Google, OpenId or Yahoo. The steps for each are listed below. Above the comment box there are several different colored buttons that represent each option.
Disqus:
1. Click the Disqus button above the comment box.
2.If you already have a Disqus account, login and post away.
3. If you don’t, you’ll see the option to register a new account in the bottom (below the Login button). Click it.
4. From there, all you have to do is enter your email, pick a username and a password and you’re all set. Very simple.
5. If you go to the Disqus website, you can add an avatar or change your username if you look up at the upper right corner. There will be a button with your username. If you move your mouse on it, a little menu will pop down and if you click “edit profile” a whole wealth of options for creativity will make themselves evident. Express yourself
Facebook: Because Mark Zuckerberg is an all powerful wizard, using Facebook connect is a little different than just making a Disqus account. If you decide you want to post through Facebook, follow the steps below:
1. Click the blue Facebook button above the comment box.
2. Then, a box will pop up with another blue button that says “sign in with Facebook”. If you’re already signed in to your Facebook click that button. That’s all you have to do.
3. If you are not already logged in to Facebook, then the box will prompt you to enter your username and password. It will then inform you that Disqus will automatically know some of the information that you have on Facebook. You won’t be posting through Facebook, but Disqus and Facebook will be communicating and sharing information. If you’re okay with that, then enter your email and password and connect with Facebook.
An Important Note: If you choose to post through Facebook, you will be posting under your real name. You can’t make up a cool username. Also, your Facebook picture will become your avatar. So if you don’t potentially want all of Mediaite seeing that adorable picture of you and your kids living it up on Spring Break or that picture of you from college (you know the one I’m talking about) don’t connect with Facebook.
Twitter: If you want to link your Twitter account to your Disqus account, then follow these steps:
1. Click the Twitter button above the comment box.
2. A window will pop up which lists all the information Disqus will learn about you if you link the two applications. If you’re okay with the information sharing and are already logged in to Twitter, press “sign in”.
3. If you are not already signed in to Twitter enter your username or email and password and press “sign in”.
Another Important Note: Just like with Facebook, with Twitter you will not be able to use a cool username. Your username will be your Twitter handle. Similarly, your avatar will become your Twitter avatar if you choose to link Disqus with Twitter. So if you don’t want all of Mediaite to know that your alter ego is @unicorns4ever, then don’t connect with Twitter.
Google: If you want to log in with Google, follow the steps below:
1. Press the Google button.
2. A window will pop up and prompt you to enter your Google information. If you are already logged in to Google then you can just click “sign in” and skip step three.
3. If you are not already signed in to Google, enter your Google information and click sign in.
4. After you’ve clicked “sign in”, another window will pop up asking for permission to access some of your information. If you click allow, Google will share your information with Disqus. Because Google actually rules the world, this probably includes what color underpants your wearing. If you click “no, thanks” you won’t be allowed to post with Google.
Yet Another Important Note: If you chose to post with Google you similarly will not be able to pick your username. The name you shared with Google (probably your full name) will be displayed when you post. Yahoo is similar in terms of not being able to pick your username and information sharing and the steps to post with Yahoo are virtually identical to the steps to post with Google.
Many of you will also be delighted to learn that with this new system comes with (drumroll please) an EDIT function! Yes, we’ve heard your cries for help. Now if your perfect post is being marred by a typo, you have the ability to click an edit button and change it. You can also add thoughts and change pretty much everything about your posts after they’ve already been published.
Another helpful reminder: we’re still moderating comments so be sure to remember our commenting guidelines! Once again, the new system will start on Friday at midnight and you can email comments@mediaite.com if you have any account issues. As always, we look forward to hearing from you.
Have a tip we should know? tips@mediaite.com
